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press conference.

“Obey The Law!” Workers File Suit Against Law-Breaking Agencies and Employers August 1, 2006 CHICAGO - The Coalition for Day Labor Enforcement, lead by workers from the San Lucas Workers Center (SLWC) held a demonstration and press conference at the West Diversey location of Ron’s Temporary Help Services, Inc. The Coalition was formed to build legal cases against day labor abusers and is comprised of the Chicago Interfaith Committee on Workers Issues, the Chicago Workers Collaborative, Chicago Jobs With Justice, the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, Latino Union and San Lucas. The newly passed Illinois Day and Temporary Labor Services Act gives workers the right to directly sue agencies or employers for labor law violations. With outdoor temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees, day labor workers and their supporters were outraged to find workers sweltering in Ron’s concrete block dispatch area which lacked air conditioning or even windows. From within the dispatch waiting area, SLWC leader, Charles Brown II appealed to workers, “We have rights! Why are they violating our rights? We need to not feel afraid. We need to come forward and we need to speak out.” Brown was temporarily interrupted by Ron’s office manager, who demanded to speak to the leader of the action. “We are all leaders!” a chorus of workers responded. The manager retreated to his office. The press conference was also attended by State Senator Miguel del Valle, a co-sponsor of the strengthened Day Labor Services Act. del Valle stated, “There is a law in Illinois. A law that was established to protect workers. If Ron’s is in violation of the law, then the state of Illinois by way of the Department of Labor and the courts in the state of Illinois should take action against Ron’s.” In addition to calling attention to Ron’s chronic labor law and human rights violations, Coalition attorney, Chris Williams announced that a class action law suit had been filed on behalf of Ron’s day labor workers. The suit charges that Ron’s has violated minimum wage laws, overtime laws, record-keeping requirements, as well as illegally charging workers for transportation to the job site. The suit also charges that Ron’s and Chicago-based stationery store, Paper Source illegally terminated Elizabeth Ramirez “in retaliation for her making complaints that rights guaranteed under the Illinois Day and Temporary Labor Services Act had been violated.”